SUMMARY

Child Care Resources Inc. (CCRI) is a private, non-profit child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agency that works with families and communities to help ensure that all children have access to high-quality, affordable early learning and school-age opportunities and experiences that enable them to succeed in school and in life.

CCRI is seeking a conscientious, insightful, collaborative Parent Counselor who is responsible for counseling individuals who request child care related information by giving appropriate referrals and resources and performing the services to meet the needs of families according to the agency’s mission and philosophies primarily through phone-based systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Assists parents in choosing and locating child care services to meet the needs and preferences of their families.

Provides information to parents on the wide array of options available in the community and current state licensing requirements.

Provides enhanced services to families from identified populations and makes referrals only to those programs that have a vacancy for the specific child in need of care (checks are completed within two business day).

Counsels and educates parents about the factors that constitute quality programming.

Provides information about child care subsidy and conducts preliminary screening of clients for eligibility for child care subsidy program. Places on waiting list if eligible.

Provides families with consumer education materials and referrals and assists them in securing community services and resources, including other financial assistance programs for which they may be eligible, to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Demonstrates the use of good communication skills with customers including tact, respect, and diplomacy and patience.

Completes follow-up calls with parents to determine satisfaction with the service received.

Collects and compiles data on child care needs, family resources and research projects to assist parents in locating care and meeting other identified needs.

Enters customer data into database using a system of checks and balances to maintain accurate and up-to-date information.

Assists in the preparation of reports as assigned.

Practices confidentiality in all situations.

Works collaboratively with all team members.

Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships with customers, fellow employees and supervisors.

Attends and contributes to scheduled trainings, supervisory conferences, and group team meetings for successful departmental goals. Makes presentations as requested.

Practices professional renewal through a variety of means; such as, attending state and regional conferences, participating in professional associations, and remaining abreast of current research and literature.

Complies with assigned work hours and demonstrates excellent attendance.

Complies with all agency policies and procedures.

Performs other duties as needed to further the agency’s mission and goals.

Promotes a positive image of the agency in the community.

Advocates for children and families in support of the agency’s mission and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in child development, counseling, social work, human services, or related field.

At least three years experience working directly with parents and children in an Early Childhood Education/School-Age setting.

Excellent telephone personality and customer service skills.

Basic understanding of early care and education, school-age child care, child care licensing regulations, and child development and parenting.

Basic computer and data entry experience.

Ability to use empathic listening skills in sensitive relationships.

Ability to establish a good and culturally sensitive rapport with colleagues and the public.

Ability to maintain positive working relationships.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Effective oral and written communication skills required.

Bilingual preferred, but not required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Quantitative ability required.

REASONING ABILITY

Analytical thinking and problem solving skills required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands are those representative of established, general office activities including, but not limited to, the use of personal computers, other office equipment, light to very moderate lifting and those activities that an employee must do to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment is that of a general office environment characterized by well-lighted workspaces and offices, a moderate noise level and all season climate control. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some evening/weekend work and local travel is required.